The Solar Radiation's Impact on Drowsiness Explained
Sizzling Summer Heat Fatigue:
Gearing up for the Sweltering Season
This summer, brace yourself for some scorching temperatures, folks! We're talking record-breaking, sweltering weather that'll make you want to ditch your summer plans and head straight for the air conditioning. But if you choose to soak up the sun, be aware that these blazing heatwaves can zaps your energy, making even the laziest day outside feel like a marathon.
But fear not! We've got some handy tips to help you beat the heat and maintain your energy levels.
Why Does the Heat Leave You Feeling Exhausted?
When summer temperatures soar, your body works overdrive to help keep your internal thermometer from skyrocketing. Dr. Ashwin Rao, a family and sports medicine specialist at the Sports Medicine Center at Husky Stadium, zeroes in on two main culprits: dehydration and vasodilation.
Vasodilation, the widening of blood vessels in your skin, helps your body dissipate heat as blood flows to your body's surface. This beneficial process, however, means fewer resources for other bodily functions, making you feel fatigued. Additionally, heat causes your body to sweat, releasing core fluids that can lead to dehydration and energy deficits.
Heat Exhaustion vs. Regular Tiredness
Feeling drained from the heat isn't ideal but it's not usually a significant threat to your health. However, heat-related illnesses like heat exhaustion and heat stroke, which can be life-threatening, occur when your body can no longer regulate its temperature.
Signs that your summertime sleepiness is turning dangerous include:
- Reduced urinary output: If you realize you haven’t peed all day, it's a warning sign.
- Increased heart rate: Prolonged high heart rate signals that your body is struggling to maintain its temperature.
- Lack of sweating: If your body stops sweating, it means your cooling mechanisms are failing.
Children and older adults are more susceptible to these symptoms. If a friend experiences these warning signs, move them to a cool area, loosen their clothing, call 911, and offer water if they are responsive and able to drink.
Maintaining Energy in the Sun
Avoid succumbing to summertime sleepiness and enjoy your time outside with these safety tips:
- Hydrate: Drink plenty of water before, during, and after your time in the sun. Keep it up even if you’re sipping on water-heavy foods like fruit or drinking iced tea.
- Fuel Smarter: Stick to lighter fare like salads or fish for your meals, as heavier meals can slow digestion which taxes your energy levels.
- Limit Alcohol: Alcohol dehydrates you, so avoid drinking excessive amounts, especially in the heat.
- Apply Sunscreen: Protect yourself from direct heat and sunrays by using sunscreen, umbrellas, hats or shaded areas. Don't forget to reapply sunscreen every two hours for optimal protection.
- Listen to Your Body: Take breaks when you need them, and avoid strenuous physical activity during peak heat times. If you start to feel dehydrated or dizzy, move to the shade, hydrate, and rest.
Recovering from the Sun
Make sure to help your body recover after your day in the sun:
- Hydrate: Drink plenty of water after your outdoor activities, and continue to hydrate as much as possible over the next few days.
- Sleep: Get a good night’s rest to help your body return to a relaxed, balanced state.
Follow these tips to make the most of your summer adventures, while prioritizing your safety and well-being in the heat!
- Despite the sweltering summer heat, engaging in regular exercise and maintaining a health-and-wellness routine can help boost your mental health and overall energy levels.
- Proper nutrition, such as consuming lighter meals and staying hydrated, plays a crucial role in your well-being during the heatwave as it aids in energy management and prevents dehydration caused by vasodilation and sweating.
- Science has shown that fitness-and-exercise and a balanced diet contribute significantly to mental health, which can help combat the fatigue often associated with the summer heat and promote a positive attitude toward health-and-wellness.
